Gideon the Ninth

by Tamsyn Muir
Gideon the Ninth cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Fantasy
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Paperback • £14.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4140
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781250313171
  • Publisher: Tor Books
  • Published: 2019-09-10
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Gideon the Ninth is the first book in the acclaimed Locked Tomb Series, praised for its unique blend of science fantasy, gothic atmosphere, and compelling characters. The story follows Gideon, a swordswoman with a rebellious spirit, who is forced into a partnership with Harrowhark Nonagesimus, a necromancer from the Ninth House. Together, they must navigate a treacherous trial set by the Emperor, where the stakes are immortality and power. The book has garnered widespread acclaim, winning the 2020 Locus Award and being a finalist for multiple prestigious awards, including the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Awards. The novel is celebrated for its deft prose, atmospheric setting, and the dynamic between its complex characters. Gideon's journey from servitude to a life-or-death mission is filled with action, intrigue, and a touch of dark humor. The unique premise of lesbian necromancers exploring a haunted gothic palace in space adds a fresh twist to the science fantasy genre, making it a standout read.

Reviews
Lesbrary · Vic · 2022-06-13
excellent 4.50

The book is described as everything the reviewer hoped for and more. It is funny, brutal, and wild in the best possible way.

Vic's review of Gideon the Ninth is highly positive, describing the book as everything they hoped for and more. The book is funny, brutal, and wild in the best possible way, making it an absolutely wild ride from start to finish. Vic appreciates the book's unique blend of humor and brutality, which makes it a standout read. The reviewer highlights the book's strengths in its humor and brutal honesty, making it a memorable and enjoyable experience. Vic's review is a testament to the book's ability to exceed expectations and deliver a truly unique reading experience.

Quick quotes

    This book was everything I hoped it would be and more.

    Funny and brutal, it was absolutely wild from start to finish, but in the best possible way.

    Vic appreciates the book's unique blend of humor and brutality, which makes it a standout read.

Book Lovers Sanctuary · 2020-08-28
excellent 4.00

The reviewer loved the book but acknowledged its flaws. They found the characters and world-building to be exceptional, despite some issues with the plot.

The reviewer expressed a deep love for the book, praising its unique characters and immersive world-building. They found the protagonist, Gideon, to be particularly compelling and enjoyed the book's dark and humorous tone. However, they also noted that the book has its flaws, including a somewhat disjointed plot and confusing elements. Despite these issues, the reviewer highly recommended the book, stating that it is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy.

Quick quotes

    It is a book that I loved!

    It is a book that has many flaws, alongside all those elements that rightly deserve praise.

    A book that I loved!

Locus Magazine · Liz Bourke · 2019-12-19
compelling 4.00

The book is compelling and fun despite its decayed empire setting. The reviewer questions how such an empire could survive but finds it truly enjoyable.

Liz Bourke's review of Gideon the Ninth praises the book for its compelling and fun narrative despite its decayed empire setting. The reviewer questions the sustainability of such an empire but finds the story truly enjoyable. The book's unique setting and intriguing characters make it a standout. Bourke appreciates the book's ability to balance decay and fun, making it a compelling read. The reviewer highlights the book's strengths in its setting and characters, which make it a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Quick quotes

    I was seriously starting to question how an empire this decayed could possibly survive, but somehow it all manages to be truly compelling fun.

    The book's unique setting and intriguing characters make it a standout.

    Bourke appreciates the book's ability to balance decay and fun, making it a compelling read.

Grimdark Magazine · 2019-11-15
great 4.00

Gideon the Ninth is a dark, irreverent, and beautiful story featuring unique characters and a compelling narrative.

The reviewer describes Gideon the Ninth as a dark, irreverent, and beautiful story that features competing necromancers, duelling cavaliers, and a protagonist with a unique point of view. They appreciate the book's dark and irreverent tone, which they believe adds to its appeal. The reviewer also highlights the book's unique characters and compelling narrative, which they find engaging and enjoyable. They mention that the book's setting and atmosphere are well-developed, contributing to a rich and immersive reading experience. The reviewer's overall sentiment is positive, praising the book's strengths and recommending it to fans of dark fantasy.

Quick quotes

    A dark, irreverent, bonkers and beautiful story featuring competing necromancers, duelling cavaliers, and a protagonist with a genuinely unique point of view.

    The story isn't a romance, nor does it focus on trauma or prejudice.

    Gideon and Harrow are different in the most complementary ways, covering for the other's shortcomings while encouraging each other's strengths.

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